Thailand Live Friday 30 May 2014

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NCPO orders illegal weapons to be surrendered

BANGKOK, 30 May 2014 (NNT) – The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has declared that any individuals who have wartime weapons in their possession must turn in the items soon or face imprisonment of up to 20 years.

In its recent announcement, the NCPO ordered all possessors of armament, such as firearms, ammunition and explosives, to report themselves to local authorities and give up the illegal items by June 10. After having done so, the culprits would be given penalties stipulated by the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosive Articles, Fireworks and Imitation of Firearms Act 1947.

However, failure to surrender the weapons would result in more severe punishment, that is, a jail term of 2-20 years.

The announcement was made after the NCPO had raided the properties of several political activists and discovered and confiscated a large amount of heavy weaponry.


-- NNT 2014-05-30

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NCPO meets with Tourism Min on tourism stimulus plan

BANGKOK, 30 May 2014 (NNT) – The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has held talks with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports in a bid to find measures for stimulating the Thai tourism sector and propping up the confidence of foreign travelers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730200-ncpo-meets-with-thai-tourism-min-on-tourism-stimulus-plan/

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Private sector believes rice payments will help stimulate economy

BANGKOK, 30 May 2014 (NNT) - The private sector has expressed confidence that the Thai economy will grow more after the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) gives overdue payments to rice farmers while suggesting all sectors to help develop the quality of life of farmers urgently.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730202-private-sector-believes-thai-rice-payments-will-help-stimulate-economy/

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AFTER COUP
Junta seeks to block social-media access to 'inappropriate content'
Asina Pornwasin
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Junta's online content monitoring panel will seek cooperation from social-network operators to block accessibility in Thailand to Facebook pages, Line groups and YouTube videos that have inappropriate content, especially those deemed as violating lese majeste restrictions and national security.

The resolution came after a meeting yesterday of the committee to monitor and regulate Internet and social-network use set up by the Information and Communications Technology Ministry on Tuesday under a National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) command.

Committee member Pol Maj General Pisit Pao-in said that in the next two days the ICT Ministry would send representatives to meet executives of Facebook and Google in Singapore and Line in Japan to seek cooperation in blocking access for Thai people to inappropriate content over these platforms. The ministry will also ask them not to allow the opening of pages with "inappropriate" content.

The move is aimed at curbing content that violates the NCPO's 12th, 17th, and 18th announcements, which ordered online operators to suspend messages deemed as insulting the monarcy, provocative, inciting violence or critical of the military leaders, causing misunderstanding among the public or disturbing peace and order.

According to the announcements, operators of social media and Internet service providers (ISPs) have been urged to block the spreading of false information and messages that incite unrest or opposition to what the junta calls peacekeeping efforts.

"Currently, more than 200 online contents, including Facebook pages and website pages, have been closed because they violated the NCPO's orders. We blocked them under the authority given to us by the NCPO's 26th order," Pisit said. He added that the committee monitored only public areas over the social network and kept a close watch on specific suspect accounts. They insisted that they were not against people's online privacy.

There are three working panels under the committee to enforce three tasks: for directing, for information verification and analysis, and for investigation and suppression.

The inability to access Facebook on Wednesday afternoon had nothing to do with the ICT Ministry's orders, Pasit said. Thais were unable access Facebook because of technical problems somewhere on the connection route between the international Internet gateway and the social network's server, he said.

"It was the misunderstanding of ISPs that they thought Facebook was down because of an order, hence they posted a banner saying, 'This Web page cannot be accessed because of the NCPO's command.' We did not block Facebook," Pisit insisted.

Facebook users were furious when they were briefly unable to access the social medium on Wednesday. The NCPO responded quickly by saying it had no policy to block social media and ordered the ICT Ministry to fix the problem at the gateway.

Yanapol Yungyuen, a member of the committee, said the panel worked under the NCPO's command to keep peace in the country without intention to harm people's online life and privacy. He also urged people not to put unverified content online and or on social networks, especially Line's group messages and Facebook.

The committee held its first meeting on Tuesday after being set up by the coup commanders. Pisit said the committee had invited ISPs as well as Facebook and Line representatives to seek their cooperation. However, Line and Facebook did not send representatives to the meeting.


-- The Nation 2014-05-30

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GOLD RUSH
More join hunt for gold at plantation
Krissana Tiwatsirikul
The Nation

Fine Arts Department believes treasure found in the plot up to 800 years old

BANGKOK: -- A PALM plantation in Phatthalung has attracted a huge number of gold prospectors. Armed with hoes and shovels, these people are no daydreamers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730204-more-join-hunt-for-gold-at-thai-plantation/

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REDS
UDD leaders recount their experiences in custody
Olan Lertrudtanadumrongkul,
Budsarakham Sinlapalavan
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- LEADERS of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) who were released by the military on Wednesday after acknowledging sedition charges have been sharing their experiences.

On May 22, representatives of the People's Democratic Reform Commit-tee, the UDD, Pheu Thai, the Democrat Party and the government reported for a meeting with Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, only to find themselves in custody before the Army declared that it was taking over.

Then, according to their account, the UDD leaders were searched, made to surrender their mobile phones, tied up and blindfolded before they were ushered into a helicopter and taken to an unidentified location.

Upon arrival, their blindfolds were removed and they found themselves in a not-so-clean house. At 9pm, they were given food, a change of clothes, towels and electric fans. They were also told not to venture out of the house.

For the first night, Thida Tavonseth was allowed to sleep in an air-conditioned room on the first floor, while Kokaew Pikulthong was put up in the living room on the ground floor. Nuttawut Saikuar had to settle for the pump room, but was given better accommodation the following night.

In the morning, everybody was given a pen and paper to make a list of what they wanted and hand it over to the soldiers.

During the detention, the UDD leaders were allowed to speak to the soldiers only when they wanted something. On the last night, the soldiers told them they would be taken back to Bangkok in the morning.

The following morning, each leader was blindfolded and ushered into a separate van along with six soldiers before they headed for Bangkok. It was only when they were on the motorway heading toward the Army Club on that their blindfolds were removed.

The UDD leaders released, Jatuporn Promphan, Nuttawut, Vira-karn Musigapong, Weng Tojirakarn and Thida, were warned to not do anything political in nature.

Upon arriving at home, Jatuporn immediately posted a message on Facebook, saying, "I have arrived home already and am safe. Thank you all for worrying about me."

In addition, Weng's and Thida's son Salaktham Tojirakarn said on Facebook that his parents were safely released on Wednesday and that they were well.

In the post, he also called on the National Council for Peace and Order to allow relatives and lawyers to visit those who are still in detention, adding that he hoped the detainees would be released soon.


-- The Nation 2014-05-30

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TRAFFIC
Lane-change cameras to help tackle traffic offenders
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Abrupt overtaking and changing of lanes will be under special surveillance in a new campaign to tackle repeat offenders, a senior Bangkok traffic cop said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730205-bangkok-lane-change-cameras-to-help-tackle-traffic-offenders/

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MILITARY JUNTA
Junta offers three-step route to democracy
The Nation

NCPO will continue to keep close watch on media; reconciliation activities begin

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) yesterday declared a roadmap to propel the country towards democracy in three stages.

NCPO spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvari said the NCPO called a video-conference with government officials at central and provincial levels to issue them policies.

He said they were informed about the roadmap, which would be implemented in three stages.

In the first stage, the country will be run under special law.

The second stage is the preparation period for a new charter, a reform council and a legislative council.

The third stage will see the country geared towards full democracy with an election.

The officials were informed that every sector would be allowed to participate in managing budgets in accordance with priorities, urgency and equality principles, especially projects that address public grievances.

They were instructed not to create debts beyond legal limits.

Winthai said the NCPO would monitor the media to prevent public misunderstanding after it suspected that some media outlets might have been politically motivated in reporting that the NCPO had not released all United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

Those released include UDD chairman Jatuporn Promphan, Nuttawut Saikuar, Virakarn Musigapong, Weng Tojirakarn and Thida Tavonseth.

The Army yesterday held a fair to promote reconciliation at a housing estate opposite a Red Guard radio station in Pathum Thani. The event offered free food and drink and entertainment as well as a host of activities.

NCPO chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha last week instructed the Army to establish reconciliation centres across the country to resolve differences between colour-coded political factions.

Friendly gathering

The Army, meanwhile, yesterday called a meeting between yellow and red-shirt leaders in Chiang Mai with the aim of encouraging the opposing groups to compromise on their political views.

Attending the meeting were red-shirt leaders Kritsanapong Prombungram, leader of a group called Rak Chiang Mai 51, Pichit Tamul and Sriwan Chanpong. Yellow-shirt leaders at the meeting included Akachai Wilaiwan, Chiang Mai branch head for the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Maj-General Sarayuth Rangsi, commander of the 33rd Military Circle led the meeting, which took place at Gawila Army Camp in Chiang Mai.

Tomorrow, a fair will be chaired by Maj-General Kookiat Srinaka, commander of the Second Infantry Battalion, featured musical performances, free hair-cutting and medical services, food and drink.

Joining members of the public at the event will include officers from Khu Kot Police Station, government officials from Khu Kot municipality and staff from local hospitals.


-- The Nation 2014-05-30

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SPECIAL FEATURE
The show must go on ... musn't it?
Manta Klangboonkrong
The Nation


Taylor Swift

BANGKOK: -- Music fans face one disappointing cancellation after another, but a few acts are still willing to take a chance on Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730207-the-show-must-go-on-musnt-it/

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EDITORIAL
Suddenly, hope for the South from an unlikely source
The Nation

The junta should grab this opportunity to do something decisive and constructive for the conflict-ridden provinces

BANGKOK: -- Hardly a day goes by without a fresh act of violence in Thailand's deep South, but residents there know the crisis has always been held hostage by national politics.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730208-suddenly-hope-for-the-south-from-an-unlikely-source-thai-editorial/

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Phuket home owner stabbed to death in her garden
Eakkapop Thongtub


A forensics officer photographs the knife where it was found in Mrs Nonglack’s garden

PHUKET: -- A 42-year-old woman died after this afternoon being stabbed in the walled garden of her house in Baan Manik.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730209-phuket-home-owner-stabbed-to-death-in-her-garden/

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British Man fall to his death at Pattaya Hilton Hotel



PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Thursday, Police and medics were called to the Pattaya Hilton Hotel, situated above Central Festival Pattaya Beach, to investigate reports of a British Man who had fallen from a high floor onto a 2nd floor balcony.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730210-british-man-fall-to-his-death-at-pattaya-hilton-hotel/

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British Man found dead in South Pattaya Apartment



PATTAYA: -- Pattaya Tourist Police Officers were called to an apartment complex in South Pattaya on Thursday Morning following the discovery of a decomposing body of a room occupant.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730211-british-man-found-dead-in-south-pattaya-apartment/

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Woman claims sexual assault by Middle-Eastern Man she met on Pattaya Beach



PATTAYA: -- On Thursday Afternoon a 27 year old Thai Woman made a complaint at Pattaya Police station of sexual assault by a Middle-Eastern Man she thinks was Iranian.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730212-woman-claims-sexual-assault-by-middle-eastern-man-she-met-on-pattaya-beach/

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Tablet purchases suspended
SUPINDA NA MAHACHAI
THE NATION

THE NATIONAL Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has suspended purchase plans under the One Tablet Per Child scheme. The move affects not only the current academic year but the previous year as well.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730214-tablet-computer-purchases-suspended/

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Protesters 'face action'
The Nation


Security officers take positions yesterday as they block roads around Victory Monument where anti-coup protesters have gathered since the coup.

Security beefed up at Victory Monument; Niwattumrong among Pheu Thai leaders released

BANGKOK: -- The military and police yesterday threatened tough action against people taking to the streets to oppose the power seizure, particularly those who resorted to violence.

Roads around Bangkok's Victory Monument, the main site of anti-coup demonstrations, were closed yesterday afternoon and there was a heavy presence of soldiers in the area - at bus stops and on the elevated walkway. Police later joined the soldiers.

Businesses and street vendors around the monument closed their shops early yesterday.

There were no signs of protesters at the monument. A Facebook page of the anti-coup protesters said they had to cancel their rally there as they could not get to the monument. A small group of protesters later gathered at the Siam Paragon shopping mall.

Anti-coup protesters plan a large rally this Sunday at Ratchaprasong Intersection.

Colonel Winthai Suwari, spokesman for the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), said the junta needed to enforce the law strictly after the protesters assaulted soldiers on duty and damaged state items.

He said that the security law would be applied and the maximum penalty would be applied.

The spokesman, citing military intelligence, also claimed the anti-coup movement was being funded by some underground businesses.

Yesterday's warning came after days of anti-coup protests, mainly at Victory Monument. On Wednesday, a group of protesters allegedly attempted to provoke armed soldiers stationed in the area. The protesters reportedly scuffled with soldiers, cursed them and threw bottles of water at them. A military vehicle was surrounded by protesters who spray-painted it.

Sections of four main roads leading to Victory Monument were closed by traffic police yesterday afternoon in an attempt to prevent people from joining an anti-coup protest.

The Traffic Police Division announced that Din Daeng, Phya Thai, Rajvithi and Phaholyothin roads would be closed from 3.30pm until the rally ended or until officials could disperse the protest.

Din Daeng Road was closed from Din Daeng Intersection to Victory Monument. Phya Thai Road was closed from Phya Thai Intersection to the monument. Rajvithi Road was closed from Tuek Chai Intersection and Phaholyothin Road from Saphan Kwai Intersection to the monument. Motorists were advised to avoid the road sections and use alternative routes instead.

Police yesterday also vowed strict law enforcement against anti-coup protesters, particularly those with questionable motives.

Deputy Police commissioner-general Pol General Somyos Poomphanmuang said the daily protests that had taken place at Victory Monument after the coup were "not natural" but had been organised.

"Our assessment found that the demonstrators at Victory Monument did not come on their own but they have leaders and their rallies were organised," Somyos said. "Investigations by military officers revealed that the protesters were brought to the rally. They did not come with sincere intentions but they had hidden agendas."

The police officer claimed to know the identity of the leaders and the mastermind but he refused to identify them.

Somyos, who is assigned to head the operation to deal with protesters, warned those who are not involved to stay clear of the rally site because "the authorities will enforce the laws seriously".

Meanwhile, the junta yesterday released Pheu Thai Party politicians and persons linked to the ousted government who had been summoned and detained after the power seizure last Thursday. They included former acting prime minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan, former foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, and former PM's Office secretary-general Suranand Vejjajiva, and party figures Phumtham Vechayachai, Prommin Lertsuridej, and Bhokin Bhalakula. Surapong Suebwonglee, a former member of the Thaksin Shinawatra cabinet, was among those released.

Also released were yellow-shirt leader Sondhi Limthongkul and Democrat Party politician Thankhun Jit-itsara.


-- The Nation 2014-05-30

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Baht stable this week, down slightly on external factors, BOT says
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The baht has remained stable despite weakening a little compared with last week on external factors, the Bank of Thailand says.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730215-baht-stable-this-week-down-slightly-on-external-factors-bot-says/

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Sydney woman 'scams' millions from men

SYDNEY: -- A 39-year-old Sydney woman has been arrested and charged for allegedly fraudulently taking more than $2 million from a number of men aged in their 60s and 70s, police say.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730220-sydney-woman-scams-millions-from-men/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

LATEST: New Visa Rules Exclude Everyone Except Sex Tourists, Alcoholics, Drug Addicts, Ravers, Illiterate Troglodytes

BANGKOK – Citing the need for maintaining order and unity during the transition to reform, the Council for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) announced strict new visa rules for foreigners wishing to enter the kingdom.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730169-new-visa-rules-exclude-everyone-except-sex-tourists-alcoholics-drug-addicts-ravers-illiterate/

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'Rambo Isaan' says goodbye to politics

BANGKOK: -- A United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship leader Suporn Atthapong announced his retirement from politics after being released from detention on Thursday's night.

Better known as Rambo Isaan, Suporn has been in detention for a week at Suranaree Military Camp.

The 50-year-old militant red-shirt leader said in tears he would now focus on living a peaceful life with his family.

-- The Nation 2014-05-30

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Roads around Victory Monument to be closed again if protesters gather, deputy police chief says

BANGKOK: -- The roads around the Victory Monument will be closed to traffic again Friday if security officials learn that anti-coup protesters plan to gather there, Deputy Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Somyos Phumphanmuang said.

Somyos, who is in charge of security affairs, told TNN24 Channel that if police and military officials learn that the protesters plan to gather there, they will launch an operation to prevent the rally as the officials need to keep peace and order.

Plainclothes police are also on standby at the spot to monitor against the rally in case the organisers use secret channels to schedule the protest. The Plainclothes officials will be ready to take charge of the situation once a protest starts, Somyos said.

He said police did not arrest students protesting at Thammasat University because they rallied under their ideology. But the protesters at the Victory Monument were hired and they caused trouble to vendors around the main bus transit spot, Somyos alleged.


-- The Nation 2014-05-30

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Bruce Willis' daughter tweets topless pics to protest Instagram ban

LOS ANGELES: -- Actress Scout Willis, daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, sparked an online debate about nude pictures Thursday after tweeting pictures of herself shopping topless in New York.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730239-bruce-willis-daughter-tweets-topless-pics-to-protest-instagram-ban/

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Chanthaburi starts its famous Durian Festival

CHANTABURI, 30 May 2014 (NNT) - Chanthaburi province today begins its annual event, the "Fruit Fun Fest: Durian World 2014" to publicize the quality of its agricultural harvest and acknowledge the skill and effort of the province's farmers. The event runs from 30th May until 8th June.

The Chanthaburi Governor Mr. Kriangdej Khemthong announced that while the fair starts today, the opening ceremony is on the last day of May at 5 p.m. at the Central Stage Chalermprakiat Building at Chanthaburi Municipality, when the announcement is made that the harvest has started. The area is famous for the quality of its fruit, so residents and visitors alike are always ready to consume the fresh fruit of the season. This and supplying bigger markets throughout the country, generates good income for farmers and reduces the possibility of an oversupply of fruit.

The Fair centered on the large central city park, features produce from the 10 districts of Chanthaburi province, meaning an impressive choice of newly picked tropical fruit. People are urged to visit the "Fruit Fun Fest: Durian 2014" in Chanthaburi, an easy drive from Bangkok.


-- NNT 2014-05-30

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Gambling Den in Chachoengsao raided

CHACHOENGSAO, 30 May 2014, (NNT) - Chachoengsao Provincial military, administrative officers and police have raided a gambling den in the area, in accordance with an official instruction of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) that forbids any kind of gambling.

The combined force conducted a search of a residence in the Namuang Sub-district of the province’s Muang District after receiving a report of an illegal activity. The force found gambling equipment but the gamblers were able to escape.

According to an interrogation of a man suspected of having an involvement in the operation, the den belonged to an unknown local politician who rented the venue to open a restaurant as a front, while running an illegal operation behind the scenes. The officials confiscated gambling equipment while examining a CCTV camera installed in the establishment in their attempt to identify the owner of the gambling den.

The military urged the public to strictly uphold the NCPO’s instruction, stressing that the authority is serious about eradicating gambling, narcotics, and arms dealing.

The officials also admitted Chachoengsao Province has several gambling dens operating under the wing of local politicians and influential figures.


-- NNT 2014-05-30

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,414.97, gains 6.46 points /MCOT

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Applicants urged to take note of new licensing process for drivers' license



BANGKOK, 30 May 2014 (NNT) – Those looking to renew or apply for their driver's license are advised to take note of the new issuing process coming into use by the Land Transport Department starting on June 2.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730245-applicants-urged-to-take-note-of-new-licensing-process-for-thai-drivers-license/

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Police say no high-level politicians found involved in rice mortgage graft yet

BANGKOK, 30 May 2014 (NNT) – The police asserted that at least 10 instances of irregular practice have been detected in the rice mortgage program, whereas the number of complaints registered against such irregularities stood at 250.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730249-thai-police-say-no-high-level-politicians-found-involved-in-rice-mortgage-graft-yet/

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2014 World No Tobacco Day supported in Nakhon Ratchasima

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, 29 May 2014 (NNT) - Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Public Health Office is promoting the 2014 World No Tobacco Day.

The World Health Organization (WHO) sets May 31st of each year as World No Tobacco Day and the theme for this year is "Raise Taxes on Tobacco". As for Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Public Health Office this year, it is focused on promoting public places, work places, public transportation and homes as non-smoking areas, which is helpful to those who intend to quit smoking. Despite several years of encouraging smokers to break the smoking habit, quitting is remains difficult, considering the rate of only 2-3% of habitual smokers who successfully quit smoking each year.

However, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, and the Acting on Smoking and Health Foundation, are encouraging the public to place no-smoking stickers in the no-smoking places determined by law and urging every organization to create a non-smoking environment at the workplace.

-- NNT 2014-05-30

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Feature

Nappy-wearing Thai bus conductors fight for rights
by Daniel ROOK

BANGKOK, May 30, 2014 (AFP) - Stuck for hours each day in snarling traffic, bus conductors in Thailand's sprawling capital have found a radical solution to a lack of toilet breaks -- adult nappies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730250-feature-nappy-wearing-thai-bus-conductors-fight-for-rights/

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Lost French tourist rescued from Phuket jungle
Phuket Gazette


French tourist Erik Pourier (center) enjoys a much-needed drink after his rescue, with Mr Ken (left) and Phuket Tourist Police Volunteer Simon Lutterell. Photo: Supplied

PHUKET: -- A hastily formed search instigated by an expat Phuket Tourist Police Volunteer led to the safe recovery of 25-year-old French tourist Erik Pourier, who became lost in the jungle at the Khao Phra Thaew wildlife sanctuary in Thalang in the dark.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730252-lost-french-tourist-rescued-from-phuket-jungle/